Medications for Ovarian Cancer

A number of medications may be prescribed for you to treat some of the symptoms that you may have from the cancer or cancer treatments.

The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.

Medications may help to either prevent or reduce side effects of treatment or to manage certain side effects once they occur. You can develop side effects from the treatment and/or from the cancer itself. Tell your doctor when you notice a new symptom, and ask him if any of these medications are appropriate for you.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Prescription Medications

Antinauseants

Common names include:

Prochlorperazine

Ondansetron

Granisetron

Metoclopramide

Antinauseants, also called anti-emetics, are given to help treat nausea and vomiting that may be caused by
chemotherapy
,
radiation
, or surgery to treat cancer. Prochlorperazine can be taken by mouth, injection, or a suppository. Ondansetron and Granisetron can be taken orally or as injections; Metoclopramide is usually given by injection.

Increased risk of
tardive dyskinesia
(a serious neurological condition) in patients who take Metoclopramide for longer than three months

Corticosteroids

Common names include:

Dexamethasone

Prednisone

Corticosteroids help to minimize inflammation and to relieve pain due to inflammation. You may experience pain and inflammation for a variety of reasons, such as:

Bone pain from cancer that has spread to your bones

Edema (fluid buildup in cells) caused by tumors or treatment

Possible side effects of corticosteroids include:

Increased appetite

Indigestion

Nervousness or restlessness

Painkillers—Narcotics

Common names include:

Hydrocodone

Morphine

Oxycodone and acetaminophen

Narcotics act on the central nervous system to relieve pain. These drugs can be very effective; however, they must be used with great caution because they can be mentally and/or physically addictive. If you are going to take one of these drugs for a long period of time, your doctor will closely monitor you.

A narcotic analgesic and acetaminophen used together may provide better pain relief than either medicine used alone. In some cases it may take lower doses of each medicine to achieve pain relief.

Epoetin helps your bone marrow to make new red blood cells. Low red blood cell levels can lead to
anemia
. Therefore, Epoetin helps reduce your risk of anemia. Epoetin is quite effective, but it has a two-week delay between the injection and when your red blood cell count really starts to come back. It is not used as a “quick fix” for a low red blood cell count; a blood transfusion is usually performed if you need to recover your red blood cell count more quickly.

Both Filgrastim and Epoetin are given by injection in your doctor's office.

Possible side effects of Filgrastim include:

Headache

Pain in arms or legs

Pain in joints or muscles

Pain in lower back or pelvis

Skin rash or itching

Possible side effects of Epoetin include:

Cough, sneezing, or sore throat

Fever

Swelling of face, fingers, ankles, feet, or lower legs

Weight gain

Over-the-Counter Medications

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Common names include:

Ibuprofen

Naproxen

NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation. You may experience pain and inflammation for a variety of reasons, such as:

Bone pain from cancer that has spread to your bones

Edema (fluid buildup in cells) caused by tumors or treatment

Possible side effects of NSAIDs include:

Stomach cramps, pain, or discomfort

Dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness

Headache

Heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting

Special Considerations

If you are taking medications, follow these general guidelines:

Take your medication as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.

Do not stop taking them without talking to your doctor.

Do not share them.

Know what the results and side effects are. Report them to your doctor.

Some drugs can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one drug. This includes over-the-counter medication and herb or dietary supplements.

Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.